Orientation

From navigating the city to navigating my first Arabic class, this week has been all about orientation. My program, SIT, has given us a lecture on every conceivable worry! Though I'm fortunate enough to have had the experience of studying abroad in a developing country already and traveling a lot, these experiences are new for many of the 62 students in SIT programs in Rabat. The staff here are very welcoming and helpful. We even got a lecture on how to negotiate with street vendors! Though I haven't taken on any big negotiations, I think I should do well after all the practice I got in Vietnam!

 

One challenging topic has been street harassment. Although I was a little nervous about it before getting here, we have discussed at length. Generally, it exists only in the form of catcalls and whistles, as in many other cities around the world. Physical contact is very rare. Both Moroccan women and Westerners are targeted. In addition to the process of socialization, we discussed some other reasons for street harassment. High unemployment, especially among Moroccan youth, leads to young people hanging out on the street with little to do. It can also be difficult for men and women to meet potential romantic partners, and some men and even women regard this as a friendly way to meet. However, as with every other issue in Morocco, the issue of street harassment is being hotly debated in the public sphere. I have yet to experience any bothersome street harassment. I look forward to discussing more of these difficult issues in class.

 

 

Ceiling of the CCCL (Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, where our program is based)

View from the roof of the CCCL

Moroccan teachers protesting the state's refusal to pay them enough

Shaaria' Mohammed Khaamis, the main street in Rabat

The CCCL had a welcoming dinner for us in the lobby of the main building, which is 18th century traditional Andalusian/ Moroccan architecture